Can you measure stress?

There are some illnesses that are easy to measure, like blood pressure where a simple test will tell you if you are in good or bad range. Cholesterol levels are also easy to find out through a blood test.  Unfortunately there are health problems that can’t be quantified so easily, like stress which can be triggered by certain situations.

We have all had stress at some time during our lives and for many folks stress is a real problem because they don’t know how to handle stressful situations. These stressors could happen quite frequently causing much distress and even health problems. One tool to be able to avoid stress is to be able to measure it.

Ways to measure stress

• Some of things may seem obvious but they are worth mentioning…
• A high pulse rate
• High blood pressure (it could also be other things so check with your doctor)
• There are questionnaires or stress tests that will tell you if you are stressed
• Muscle tension
• Excessive sweating

If you let stress run havoc over your life, the results will be devastating. Stress can cause major health problems and prevent you from leading a healthy and productive life.

Take care…

Sleep and stress

Sleep and stress

Sleep and proper rest is something that the body just can’t do without.  Sure, you can survive on little sleep but it will eventually catch up to you. Without sleep the brain doesn’t function properly and neither does the body. Lack of sleep is a big problem in today’s society with sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, insomnia, narcolepsy and restless leg syndrome to name a few. Something else that affects sleep is stress and anxiety, another reason to control the issues that produce stress.

If you are stressed during the day chances are you wouldn’t forget about what is causing that stress when you go to bed. Your mind will go over and over the events of the day slowing down the process of falling asleep and if you do fall asleep it probably wouldn’t be restful.

What can you do about it…?

1.      Caffeine is an important tool for most people in that it keeps them alert and awake. The problem with caffeine is that is also causes stress, particularly if you drink quite a bit of it during the day.  It isn’t easy but make an effort to cut back on it especially at night.

2.      Meditation is a good way to lose the stress before going to bed.  It takes time to get the hang of it but it is worth the effort.

3.      Cut out late night eating. Less food on your stomach will make sleeping much better.

4.      Exercise is a great way to relieve stress but don’t do it before you go to bed. 

It is also important to remember that lack of sleep can also cause stress, anxiety and depression. Practicing good sleeping habits promotes emotional wellness.

Take care…